How to Get Promoted at Work: 5 Surefire Strategies

If you want to get promoted at work, become the powerhouse of your company.

You’ve been eyeing a promotion, but you’re also anxious because you have no idea if you’ve performed better than your colleagues. You wonder if there’s anything you can do to shift the odds in your favor...

Well, there’s good news. You can!

No matter how much you’ve accomplished in the past year, there are still practical steps you can take to make an impact and impress your boss. But do realize that there is no easy fix, and making your effort count will take an unwavering commitment.

Here are some proven methods top performers use to rise in their organizations. Once you implement the following tactics, your boss and colleagues will notice that you’re making a significant impact. And once that happens, it will become obvious to your boss that you deserve a promotion.

1. Give more value than ever

Everyone wants a promotion, but few employees ever seriously think about what the company wants from them. The secret to getting what you want is very simple — give value.

Improve your skills. One of the best things you can do is advance your skills. The more skilled you are, the better results you can create for your company — and your boss cares about results.

Take lateral roles. Exposing yourself to a variety of company activities can increase your chances of promotion. Think outside the box and take a lateral role. Companies usually give employees opportunities to join new committees or task forces for activities such as web redesign committee and fundraising.

Working on a variety of activities will help you learn new skills, network with important people, and get new opportunities to grow.

2. Pay attention to who gets promoted

Look for the common themes. Situational awareness is important when you want to get promoted. Find the common personality traits, habits, and achievements of all who were promoted in the past couple of years. You will get clear indications of what you need to do.

For example, some bosses promote employees who socialize and attend all the office parties. In such case, even if you’re an introvert, make an effort to socialize. Some bosses want employees to be team players, so in this case, always be willing to help when working on a team project.

3. Ask your boss for feedback

Present your progress. Life is much simpler than we think. If you wonder whether or not your boss is considering you for promotion, it’s best that you just ask. Present your case professionally to your boss, even if it requires writing a cover letter. Put together a list of your responsibilities and accomplishments and include the skills and experience you’ve gained so far. Then, show the impact of your work on the operations of the company.

Seek clarity. Present this information in writing and ask your boss what it would take for you to get the promotion. This approach also works when you want to ask for a raise. Ask for a very specific answer and then simply do what they say to boost your chances of getting the promotion.

Asking directly helps in many ways: It makes things much simpler, shows your boss that you’re serious about your work, and gets you noticed.

4. Get noticed (for all the right reasons)

It’s important to work hard, but if you fly under the radar, your hard work may go unnoticed.

Here are some ways you can advertise yourself and get noticed:

Speak up and show your knowledge in staff meetings. If you’re an introvert, prepare in advance of meetings so that you can speak up and give suggestions. Be aware of the opportunities where your skills and talents can be showcased.

Volunteer to work in employee committees and on projects in other departments to expand your skills as well as gain visibility.

Build a relationship with your boss by checking in from time to time, giving suggestions on important projects, asking for advice, or sending an email when an important milestone is completed.

Dress for success. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

5. Let your work ethic speak for itself

Aim for mastery. Become the hardest worker in the room. Be prepared to do everything it takes whether it is preparing for an interview or tackling a one-on-one consultation with your boss.

Be punctual and attentive toward deadlines. The only way to get a promotion is to actually be worth it. When you can handle your current responsibilities with diligence, it will be hard to deny your impact.

Remember, your efforts should reflect a mastery of your current role. Only then you can expect to survive in the role you’re given after promotion.

Know “why” you care. Recalling your “why” will help you give your maximum effort. Connect with your intuition to know why you want to succeed. Find meaning for yourself. Does the cause of the company matter to you? Do you want to prove it to yourself? Do you have a vision for your family in which getting a promotion is a critical milestone? When you care about your work, it’ll become much easier to work hard.

So now that you know what to do, it’s time to act! Start with these steps and soon you’ll reach your goal. Remember, nothing works unless you do.